Torah

As we encounter Purim, let us delve more deeply into the unique spiritual and existential battle that the Jewish People must continue to wage against the philosophy of Amalek. Amalek first appeared on the scene when they attacked klal Yisrael in the midbar, on their journey to Har Sinai. The most striking aspect of this attack was its timing.

We find an interesting connection between parshas Tetzaveh and parshas Zachor. The Ba’al Haturim says, beginning from parshas Shemos, Moshe Rabbeinu’s name is mentioned in every parshah except for Tetzaveh.

Before I begin this article, I would like to wish a refuah shleima to one of my dear rebbeim, Rephael Yerachmiel ben Hadasa, who has suddenly become very ill (Rephael was just added to his name). May we merit to have a turn-around, and he has a complete recovery! 

The Mishkan accompanied the Jewish People throughout their travels in the midbar and was replaced by the Beis HaMikdash (Holy Temple) once they entered Eretz Yisrael. A central feature of the Mishkan and the Beis HaMikdash was the korbanos. These sacrifices were offered daily, in addition to special ones that were offered on Shabbos and holidays, and they were the focal point of much of the Jewish People’s religious observance.

After an overwhelming week at work, Daniel decides to go on a nature hike to recharge. Without letting anyone know of his plans, he heads off into the mountains. As he is enjoying the view and the peaceful quiet around him, he suddenly slips and tumbles off the edge of a cliff. He plunges downwards, but somehow manages to grasp onto a branch jutting out of the cliff face. He clings to the branch for dear life, trying not to look down at the ravine below.

Boruch Hashem, six more live hostages were returned this past week. Many of them, along with other former hostages, have spoken about how they felt a special closeness to Hashem during their terrible ordeal. People who were far from any religion before Simchas Torah have become closer to Judaism, mainly because of this feeling. Where does it come from?